Visible Hope – 5 Keys to Full-time Faith Part 3

May 6, 2019

Is your hope in Jesus visible? How can we make our hope visible? And what exactly do you hope in or about Jesus, anyway?

Visible Beliefs

We all live according to our beliefs. Do we live like we fully believe in Jesus and the Bible? Can you think of places where your faith isn’t that strong? I can. If we believe others are more important than ourselves (Phil 2:3), it will show. If we believe Jesus gave us the best rules for living, we will turn the other cheek or go the extra mile.

Our life exposes our idea of reality. If Jesus is central to my idea of reality, then my actions make my belief in Jesus visible.

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

1 Peter 3:15 NASB

How will anyone ask me “to give an account for” my hope if they can’t see it?

Share Visible Hope

When I ask people if they share their faith, many people respond by saying they’re not allowed to speak about faith. Some think sharing their faith means saying some memorized words designed to “lead” others to Jesus. Others think “sharing your faith” means offering to pray for someone.

So, we all have slightly different meanings for words. But when I ask about “share” I seldom mean “talk” or “present.” Can you share your faith without speaking? Sometimes we need to speak up. Other times, let your life silently speak.

To make our hope visible, we must live differently. As we serve others, we tell them we have a different hope. And as we avoid judging or criticizing others, we show they can trust us with a question.

Share Silently

Share your faith without a word today. In the next 2 posts, we’ll talk about when and how to speak. Meanwhile, serve others, ask questions, honor confidences (my weakness), avoid gossip and criticism, and subordinate your interest to those of others. Over time, curious friends will begin to trust you more because of your silent sincerity. Once they trust you, then they’re liable to ask.

Even though this is the next-to-last phrase in this passage, the other phrases depend on it, so we made it Part 3. Check out 5 Keys to Full-time Faith Part 1 and Part 2, and stay tuned for the other keys.

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Mike Henry Sr.

Mike Henry Sr. is the CEO and Lead Instigator of Follower of One. He loves to challenge Jesus-followers to make a positive difference. His mission is to elevate purpose and mobilize people and his goal is to live his life as a full-time minister, regardless of his occupation.